U.S. patent application number 14/297031 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-11 for personalized voice user interface system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Melvin Burns, Wanda L. Burns. Invention is credited to Melvin Burns, Wanda L. Burns.
Application Number | 20140365068 14/297031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52006138 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140365068 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burns; Melvin ; et
al. |
December 11, 2014 |
Personalized Voice User Interface System and Method
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a system and method for
personalizing a voice user interface on an electronic device. Voice
recordings are made into an electronic device or a computerized
system using a software installed onto the device, where a user is
prompted to record various dialogues and commands. The recording is
then converted into voice data packages, and uploaded onto the
electronic device. In this way, users can replace the computerized
or preloaded voice in a voice user interface of an electronic
device with their own voice or a voice of others. In one
embodiment, the electronic device comprises a mobile phone or a
tablet computer. In other embodiments, the electronic device
comprises a vehicle communication system and a navigation device.
The system and method of the present invention enables the user to
personalize the voice user interface for each electronic device
operated by the user.
Inventors: |
Burns; Melvin; (Mundelein,
IL) ; Burns; Wanda L.; (Mundelein, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Burns; Melvin
Burns; Wanda L. |
Mundelein
Mundelein |
IL
IL |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52006138 |
Appl. No.: |
14/297031 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61831993 |
Jun 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/31.5 ;
701/539; 704/2; 704/261 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10L 13/033 20130101;
G06F 3/167 20130101; G01C 21/3629 20130101; G10L 15/22 20130101;
G01C 21/3608 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/31.5 ;
704/261; 704/2; 701/539 |
International
Class: |
G10L 13/033 20060101
G10L013/033; G07C 5/00 20060101 G07C005/00; G01C 21/36 20060101
G01C021/36 |
Claims
1) A personalized voice user interface system, comprising: an
electronic device having at least one computer processing unit and
at least one memory unit; said at least one computer processing
unit adapted to receive a voice recording and convert said voice
recording to a voice data package; said at least one memory unit
adapted to store said voice data package; said at least one
computer processing unit adapted to receive a command and generate
an audible feedback using said voice data package.
2) The personalized voice user interface system of claim 1, wherein
said at least one computer processing unit is further adapted to
convert said voice data package into a different language.
3) The personalized voice user interface system of claim 1, wherein
said voice recording comprises a voice of a user or others.
4) The personalized voice user interface system of claim 1, wherein
said electronic device is a phone.
5) The personalized voice user interface system of claim 1, wherein
said electronic device is a computer tablet.
6) The personalized voice user interface system of claim 1, wherein
said electronic device is a navigational device.
7) The personalized voice user interface system of claim 1, wherein
said electronic device is a vehicle communication system.
8) A method of personalizing a voice user interface system of an
electronic device, comprising the steps of: recording words and
phrases by a user corresponding to a predetermined set of words and
phrases; converting said voice recording to a voice data package;
uploading said voice data package to an electronic device;
selecting said voice data packages on said electronic device;
applying changes on said electronic device, wherein applying
changes on said device replaces a preloaded voice with said voice
data package on said electronic device.
9) The method of personalizing a voice user interface system of an
electronic device of claim 8, wherein said electronic device is a
phone.
10) The method of personalizing a voice user interface system of an
electronic device of claim 8, wherein said electronic device is a
computer tablet.
11) The method of personalizing a voice user interface system of an
electronic device of claim 8, wherein said electronic device is a
navigational device.
12) The method of personalizing a voice user interface system of an
electronic device of claim 8, wherein said electronic device is a
vehicle communication system.
13) A software program embodied on an electronic device medium and
comprising code that, when executed by a computer processing unit
on said electronic device, enables said electronic device to
perform the following method: recording words and phrases by a user
corresponding to a predetermined set of words and phrases;
converting said voice recording to a voice data package; uploading
said voice data package to an electronic device; selecting said
voice data packages on said electronic device; applying changes on
said electronic device, wherein applying changes on said device
replaces a preloaded voice with said voice data package on said
electronic device.
14) The software program of claim 13, wherein said electronic
device is a phone.
15) The software program of claim 13, wherein said electronic
device is a computer tablet.
16) The software program of claim 13, wherein said electronic
device is a navigational device.
17) The software program of claim 13, wherein said electronic
device is a vehicle communication system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/831,993 filed on Jun. 6, 2013. The above
identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to a personalized voice
user interface system and method. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a voice user interface of an electronic device
and method of using the same, which dynamically records and
transmits a recorded voice in place of a computerized or preloaded
voice via computerized systems and electronic devices.
[0004] Personal digital assistants and navigators for operating
systems on various electronic devices use a natural language user
interface to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform
actions by delegating requests to a set of web services. The
application may adapt to the user's individual preferences and
personalize results for the user. The natural language user
interface generally utilizes computerized or preloaded voices of
voice actors and actresses. These computer-generated or preloaded
voices, however, are perfunctory, impersonal, and can be difficult
to understand, especially for users from areas with distinct
accents. As a result, users repeat the last verbal feedback, but it
can be frustrating and difficult to have the device repeat itself
constantly.
[0005] To resolve the problem of customizing an electronic device
to make the voice user interface more understandable to the user,
many devices offer multiple personalities and/or voices in a voice
user interface in which a user can choose different voices to speak
specific dialogues. These personalities and voices, however, are
still limited to computerized or preloaded voices. While some of
the alternative choices for personalities and voices may be more
audibly pleasing to the user, these voices are impersonal to the
user and may still be difficult to understand. As a result, the
users are resorted to updating the operating systems on electronic
devices to utilize new personalities and voices. This makes it
difficult for users to personalize their electronic device to suit
their preferences.
[0006] Additionally, many individuals prefer to listen to the voice
of their friends or others instead of the preloaded voice through
their personal electronic devices. Recorded voices are often
keepsakes of others as familiar voices provide comfort to the user.
Traditional voice user interface systems, however, do not enable a
user to replace the computerized or preloaded voice with the voice
of the user or others.
[0007] The instant invention comprises a system for using the
user's voice of the voice of others in lieu of a computerized or
preloaded voice on a voice user interface system of an electronic
device. In one embodiment of the invention, the system utilizes a
digital personal assistant system on a phone or a tablet computer.
In other embodiments, the voice user interface system may be used
with a vehicle communication system and a navigation device that
includes a personalized voice turn by turn navigation system. These
systems utilize voice control and audible feedback, increasing user
interaction with the electronic device.
[0008] The present invention also comprises a method for replacing
a computerized or preloaded voice with the voice of the user in a
user voice interface system. This method generally comprises the
steps of recording a user's voice directly onto an electronic
device having a voice user interface system that utilize an
intelligent personal digital assistant and a knowledge navigator.
The method may further comprise the steps of converting the
recorded voice into a voice data package. In addition, the method
may further comprise the step of uploading the voice data package
on an electronic device having a user voice interface system. As
the device is exposed to more variations of a language, its overall
recognition of dialects and accents improve, and allows the
electronic device to work better. As will be described in further
detail herein, there are many additional features of the instant
invention.
[0009] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0010] Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to
turn-by-turn navigation voices and voice data as utilized with a
variety of electronic devices. These include devices that have been
patented and published in patent application publications, and
generally relate to voice data packages that are integrated with an
electronic device. Some of these devices describe natural language
voice user interface that provide an integrated voice navigation
services. Other devices describe a method and apparatus for
creating and modifying navigation voice syntax. These devices,
however, do not disclose a system and method that allows a user to
replace a computerized or factory set voice on any electronic
device, which helps personalize the device to the individual user's
liking. The forgoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to
the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes
of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the
present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing
in the prior art.
[0011] Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 8,370,147 to Kennewick discloses
a system and method for providing a natural language voice user
interface in an integrated voice navigation services environment.
The voice user interface enables a user to use natural language to
issue queries, commands, or other requests relating to the
navigation services. The voice user interface may also interact
with the user in a cooperative, conversational dialogue to resolve
the requests. The system and method disclosed in Kennewick utilizes
a conversational language processor that is interactive with a
navigation application to perform a requested task. The voice user
interface generates cross-modal intelligent responses having
natural variation and personality. Additionally, the voice user
interface may invoke a response generation application to advance
the conversation.
[0012] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,831,433 to Belvin provides a
system and method for using context in navigation dialog. Belvin
discloses a speech understanding system that interacts with a
speech generator. The speech understanding system is capable of
receiving an input speech utterance from a user and converting the
input speech utterance into an interpreted input utterance. The
speech generator is configured to receive the phrase from the route
guidance module of the navigational system and convert the phrase
into an audible speech signal. The speech understanding system and
the speech generator may be contained in a single computer
processing unit (CPU) and run as separate processes or be
distributed across multiple CPUs connected via an in-vehicle
network.
[0013] While the foregoing systems and methods in Kennewick and
Belvin are directed toward providing a natural dialogue with a
user, the system and method of Kennewick and Belvin are limited in
the fact that it does not allow the user to change the personality
of the voice user interface. Moreover, neither of the prior arts
disclose a system and method that allow the user to replace the
voice user interface personality with the voice of the user or
others. The present invention provides a system and method for
recording the voice of the user or others, and converting the
recorded voice into voice data packages. Thereafter, the user can
upload the voice data packages onto an electronic device. In this
way, the user is able to replace the computerized or factory set
voice of a voice user interface, which allows a user to add his or
her own personality to the device.
[0014] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0171665 to
Hammerschmidt discloses a method and apparatus for creating and
modifying navigation voice syntax. Hammerschmidt discloses a voice
package that includes a language data base and a plurality of audio
files. The language database specifies appropriate syntax and
vocabulary for information that is intended for audio output by a
position-determining device, such as a global positioning system
(GPS). Hammerschmidt further disclose a voice package toolkit
adapted to construct and/or customize one or more parts of a voice
package by combining audio files that are generated from the syntax
and/or vocabulary information in the voice package. Accordingly, a
user may add audio files to the audio data or customize the
particular syntax and/or vocabulary that the language database
currently provides without affecting a change in the operating
software used by the position-determining device. The audio files
may include custom voices, such as a voice of a famous actor.
[0015] While Hammerschmidt discloses a method and apparatus for
using custom voices, it does not allow a user to record his or her
own voice and utilize the same in lieu of the pre-recorded voices.
In contrast, the present invention allows a user to record his or
her own voice or a voice of others and store it as a voice data
package for uploading to a computerized system. In this way, the
existing pre-recorded voice on the computerized system is no longer
utilized. Additionally, the system and method of the present
invention may be used for a variety of devices, including, but not
limited to navigational devices.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,938 to Albert discloses a method and
apparatus for utilizing a voice user interface with personality.
The method includes executing a voice user interface, and
controlling the voice user interface to provide the voice user
interface with a personality. The voice user interface is capable
of responding to a selected prompt based on various context
situations. When controlling the voice user interface, the user can
select a smooth hand-off prompt, polite prompt, or a negative
prompt, among others. The voice user interface may act as a virtual
assistant to the user. The voice user interface is created by
recording a human voice reading a script of a dialogue, which
involves directing an actor or actress selected to read the
appropriate scripts. Conversely, the present invention provides
voice prompts and on-screen display to indicate to the user the
dialogue that needs to be recorded. Accordingly, Albert does not
disclose a method and system that allows a user to record and
utilize his or her own voice as a character voice for voice user
interface. Therefore, Albert is inoperable to solve the problem
solved by the present invention.
[0017] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 8,412,457 to Lee discloses a method
and apparatus for setting a desired destination in a navigational
terminal, wherein the navigational terminal is linked to a mobile
communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal includes
a voice processing unit that recognizes spoken requests to complete
tasks, such as making a phone call or recording audio. Unlike the
present invention, however, Lee does not provide an interactive
voice user interface that utilizes the voice of a user or others.
Additionally, Lee does not enable the user to convert the recorded
audio into a voice data package for uploading to the navigation
system on a device.
[0018] These prior art methods and apparatus have several known
drawbacks. They do not disclose a system that allows a user to
replace a computerized or preloaded voice with the voice of the
user or others. The present invention is a system and method for
recording and uploading a recording of a user's voice or the voice
of others for use with a voice user interface system on an
electronic device that utilize an intelligent personal digital
assistant and a knowledge navigator. The preferred implementation
of the system employs an electronic device or a computerized system
with voice recognition capabilities as the input means. Using the
wireless protocol or other suitable short-range radio frequency
data transmission protocol, the electronic device or the
computerized system communicates directly with the input means.
Users may speak a predetermined set of words or phrases to the
input means, which then records the spoken words or phrases and
converts it into voice data packages. Voice data packages are
stored on a memory means within the electronic device or the
computerized system and transmitted as an audible feedback in
response to voice control.
[0019] It is therefore submitted that the present invention is
substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and
consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an
improvement to existing voice data packages that are integrated
with an electronic device. In this regard, the instant invention
substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of voice data packages that are integrated with an electronic
devices now present in the prior art, the present invention
provides a new system and method for personalizing a voice user
interface on an electronic device, wherein the same can be utilized
for replacing a computerized or preloaded voice on an electronic
device with the voice of the user or others.
[0021] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new
and improved system and method for personalizing a voice user
interface on an electronic device that has all of the advantages of
the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved system and method for personalizing a voice user
interface on an electronic device that replaces a computerized or
preloaded voice with that of a user or others on an electronic
device.
[0023] Another object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved system and method for personalizing a voice user interface
on an electronic device that may be used with a wide variety of
electronic devices.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved system and method for personalizing a voice user
interface on an electronic device that enables a user to have an
interactive dialogue with the device.
[0025] Still yet another object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved system and method for personalizing a voice user
interface on an electronic device that provides a long term storage
for voice data packages created by a user.
[0026] Still yet another object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved system and method for personalizing a voice user
interface on an electronic device that translates voice data
packages into various languages.
[0027] A final object of the present invention to provide a new and
improved system and method for personalizing a voice user interface
on an electronic device that utilizes a natural language of a
user.
[0028] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0030] FIG. 1A shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method for
utilizing the system of the present invention on a mobile phone or
a tablet computer via a software program or an application.
[0031] FIG. 1B shows a view of the present invention as used with a
mobile phone and a tablet computer.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a view of the present invention as used with a
navigational device.
[0033] FIG. 3A shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method for
utilizing the system of the present invention with a subscription
based or non-subscription based vehicle communication system that
includes in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn
navigation, and remote diagnostics system.
[0034] FIG. 3B shows a view of the present invention as used with a
subscription based vehicle communication system.
[0035] FIG. 3C shows a view of the present invention as used with a
vehicle communication system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] References is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the system and method for personalizing a
voice user interface on an electronic device. For the purposes of
presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention,
the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for replacing a
computerized or preloaded voice on an electronic device. The
figures are intended for representative purposes only and should
not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a flow diagram of
an exemplary method 100 for utilizing the system of the present
invention on a mobile phone or a tablet computer via a software
program or an application. The program or the application is
downloaded onto the user's mobile phone or tablet computer, then
accessed by opening the program or the application 101. The user
then selects a language that the user wishes to record on the
device 102. Without limitation, the user may select Chinese,
Spanish, English, Arabic, Hindi, Bengali, Portuguese, Russian,
Japanese, German, Javanese, Lahnda, Telugu, Vietnamese, Marathi,
French, Korean, Tamil, Italian, and Urdu. Alternatively, the user
may record various words and phrases in one language, which may
later be translated into a different language in the user's voice
via the program or the application. More specifically, the present
system will split and combine tonation and syllables of the words
and phrases in the voice recordings to generate words and phrases
in a different language in the user's voice or the voice of
others.
[0038] The user then selects a name for the recording 103. For
instance, the name of the recording could correspond with the name
of the user whose voice is being recorded. When the user is ready
to start recording, the user selects the record button 104 to
initiate voice recording directly onto the phone or the tablet. The
user then proceeds to read a listed word or a phrase 105 that is
utilized by the electronic device's system. Some of the voice
records may be imperative or declarative. In some embodiments, the
program or the application is able to identify different words or
phrases by detecting the silence between the words or phrases. In
this way, it is preferable that the user reads each word or phrase
one at a time so as to allow the user to pronounce each word or
phrase clearly. It is contemplated that the present system will
split and combine tonation and syllables of the words and phrases
in the voice recordings to generate new phrases and words that were
not among the listed words or phrases. After each word or a phrase,
the user can stop the recording 106.
[0039] Optionally, the user may replay the recording 107 so as to
ensure that the word or phrase was recorded correctly. If the word
or phrase was not recorded correctly, the user can re-record 108
and read the previously listed word or phrase 105 again. When the
user has completed recording the listed words or phrases provided,
the user can save the recording 109. Thereafter, the recording is
converted to a voice data package 110 and uploaded onto the phone
or the tablet 111. The user may then select the uploaded voice data
package 112 by selecting the name of the recording, and applying
the changes made 113.
[0040] Applying the changes would allow the device to utilize the
voice from the recording when utilizing voice user interface
instead of the computerized or preloaded voice. In one embodiment,
the user may turn off or deactivate the existing computerized or
preloaded voice on the user's phone or tablet so that only the
voices used to create voice data packages are used for any audible
feedback. Thereafter, the phone or tablet leverages its voice
recognition functionality to enable the user to speak a command or
inquiry and receive an audible feedback. Alternatively, the user
may enter a command or inquiry via an alphanumeric keypad of the
device to receive an audible feedback. In this way, the present
invention allows the user to hear his or her own voice or the voice
of others.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown an embodiment of
the present invention as used with a mobile phone 114 and a tablet
computer 115 via a software program or an application. The phone
114 or the tablet computer 115 preferably comprises a display
screen, imbedded memory and computer processing unit, an internal
power source, a speaker, and voice recording means such as a
microphone. In operation, the phone 114 or the tablet computer 115
has voice recognition capabilities as the input means. Using the
wireless protocol or other suitable short-range radio frequency
data transmission protocol, the phone 114 or the tablet computer
115 communicates directly with the input means. The user may speak
a predetermined set of words or phrases to the input means, which
then records the spoken words or phrases and converts it into voice
data packages. Alternatively, the user may record voices of others.
Voice data packages are stored on a memory means within the phone
114 or the tablet computer 115 and transmitted as an audible
feedback in response to the user's voice input. The user may also
control various operation of the phone 114 or the table computer
115 via the display screen with touch capability or control buttons
disposed on the phone 115 or the tablet computer 115.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of a
navigational device 200 that utilizes the personalized voice user
interface system of the present invention. The navigational device
200 comprises a portable housing 203 with an imbedded computer
processing unit, memory, battery power, and necessary internal
circuitry of a navigation component, a power button 208 that
controls operation of the device, a record button 206 that records
a user's voice, and voice selection buttons 207 that allows a user
to select a desired voice. In a preferred embodiment, the
navigational device 200 is adapted to record and store three
different voice recordings. Accordingly, the voice selection
buttons 207 may be labeled "Voice 1," "Voice 2," and "Voice 3."
Additionally, the navigational device 200 comprises a preloaded
voice recording that may be used as a default.
[0043] The front side of the housing 203 comprises a display screen
204, which may be a touch screen, and speakers to emit audio
recordings. The touch screen is also adapted to allow a user to
control various operation of the device, such as volume control,
brightness and contrast adjustment, and the like. The rear side of
the housing comprises a mounting assembly having an elongated body
202 and a suction cup 201 attached thereto. In this way, the device
200 may be mounted onto a vehicle windshield, or other
substantially upright surfaces as desired by a user.
[0044] The navigational device 200 of the present invention
utilizes a satellite-based navigation system such as GPS and is
capable of displaying maps on the display screen 204, providing
audio and visual turn-by-turn navigation, and providing information
on nearby amenities such as restaurants, fueling stations, and
tourist attractions. The device 200 is further adapted to provide
information regarding the roads or paths available, traffic
congestion and alternative routes, best routes, the location of
places of interests, the shortest route between the two locations,
different options to drive on highway or back roads. The user may
communicate with the device 200 using its voice recognition
capabilities. The user may speak a predetermined set of words and
phrases, and the device 200 may provide audible feedback in
response.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown a flow diagram of
an exemplary method for utilizing the system of the present
invention with a subscription based or non-subscription based
vehicle communication system that includes in-vehicle security,
hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics
system. The personalized voice user interface system is preferably
integrated with a vehicle in which it is used. The system is
accessible through the dashboard control panel of the vehicle 301.
In some embodiments, the user may select a language that the user
wishes to record 302. Without limitation, the user may select
Chinese, Spanish, English, Arabic, Hindi, Bengali, Portuguese,
Russian, Japanese, German, Javanese, Lahnda, Telugu, Vietnamese,
Marathi, French, Korean, Tamil, Italian, and Urdu. Alternatively,
the user may record various words and phrases in one language,
which may later be translated into a different language in the
user's voice via the software program or the application. More
specifically, the present system will split and combine tonation
and syllables of the words and phrases in the voice recordings to
generate words and phrases in a different language in the user's
voice or the voice of others.
[0046] The user then selects whether the recording would be a first
voice data package, second voice data package, or third voice data
package by selecting "Voice 1," "Voice 2," or "Voice 3,"
respectively 303. Additionally, the user may name the voice
recording 305. The name of the recording could correspond with the
name of the user whose voice is being recorded so that the user may
easily identify each of the voice data packages stored. When the
user is ready to start recording, the user selects the record
button 304 to initiate voice recording. The user then proceeds to
read a listed word or a phrase 306 that is utilized by the
electronic device's operating system. For example, the user may
record phrases for turn-by-turn navigation such as: "turn right
onto . . . "; "turn left onto . . . "; "your destination is ahead
on the right"; "your destination is ahead on the left"; "In 500
feet, turn left onto . . . "; "make a U-turn"; "exit"; "merge onto
. . . "; "keep right"; "keep left."
[0047] In some embodiments, the system is able to identify
different words or phrases by detecting the silence between the
words or phrases. Thus, it is preferable that the user reads each
word or phrase one at a time so that the present system can record
each word or phrase in a clear and distinct manner. After each word
or a phrase, the user can stop the recording 309. Optionally, the
user may replay the recording 307 so as to ensure that the word or
phrase was recorded correctly. If the word or phrase was not
recorded correctly, the user can re-record 308 and read the
previously listed word or phrase 306 again. When the user has
completed recording the listed words or phrases provided, the user
can save the recording 310. It is contemplated that the present
system will split and combine tonation and syllables of the words
and phrases in the voice recordings to generate new phrases and
words that were not among the listed words or phrases. Thereafter,
the recording is converted to a voice data package 311 and uploaded
onto the vehicle voice communication system 312. The user may then
select the uploaded voice data package 313 by selecting the name of
the recording, and applying the changes made 315. Alternatively,
the user may select a preloaded voice 314 and apply the changes
made 315.
[0048] Applying the changes allows the vehicle communication system
to utilize the voice from the recording instead of the computerized
or preloaded voice. The vehicle communication leverages its voice
recognition functionality to enable the user to speak a command or
inquiry and receive an audible feedback. Alternatively, the user
may enter a command or inquiry via control buttons or an
alphanumeric keypad on the dashboard control panel to receive an
audible feedback. In this way, the present invention allows the
user to hear his or her own voice or the voice of others while
using a vehicle communication system.
[0049] FIG. 3B shows a view of the present invention as used with a
subscription based vehicle communication system via a software
program or an application. In the illustrated embodiment, the
present invention comprises a control button 317 disposed on a rear
view mirror 316. The control button 317 executes the personalized
voice user interface system. In operation, the present system is
adapted to replace a preloaded voice that is used with in-vehicle
security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, remote
diagnostics system, and the like. As such, any audible feedback
relayed from the subscription based vehicle communication system
utilizes the user's voice or the voice of others contained in voice
data packages.
[0050] The user may select a desired voice data package using the
dashboard control panel having a display screen with touch
capabilities or control buttons. The display screen is adapted to
list the voice selections available for use with the subscription
based vehicle communication system. Preferably, the user may select
from one of three voice selections or a preloaded voice. The
present invention increases the efficiency of the communication
between the user and the vehicle communication system by
accommodating to the user's diction and natural language.
[0051] FIG. 3C shows a view of the present invention as used with
an existing vehicle communication system via a software program or
an application having the present voice user interface system
integrated therewith. In operation, the user accesses the voice
user interface via a dashboard control panel comprising a display
screen. The display screen preferably has touch capability so as to
provide the user with selection means. In some embodiments, the
dashboard control panel may further comprise a plurality of control
buttons to further operate the same.
[0052] The display screen is adapted to list different voice
selections, as well as one or more preloaded voices. For instance,
the display screen may show, "Voice 1," "Voice 2," "Voice 3," and
"Default," thereby allowing the user to select one of the voices
for audible feedback. If the voice selection does not contain a
voice data package, the user may be prompted to create a new voice
data package using the exemplary method described above. If the
voice selection contains a voice data package, the selected voice
is utilized in place of the preloaded voice for all audible
feedback.
[0053] The vehicle communication system has voice recognition
capabilities as the input means. Using the wireless protocol or
other suitable short-range radio frequency data transmission
protocol, the vehicle communication system communicates directly
with the input means via a processing unit. The user may say a
command or an inquiry to the input means through a microphone. The
command or the inquiry is then recorded and the processing unit
converts it into voice data packages. Alternatively, the user may
record voices of others. Voice data packages are stored on a memory
means within the vehicle communication system and transmitted as an
audible feedback through the vehicle speakers in response to the
user's voice input through the microphone. The user may also
control various operation of the vehicle communication system via
the display screen of the dashboard control panel with touch
capability or control buttons.
[0054] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0055] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *